Shane Ardern MP National Party Associate Agriculture Spokesman
4 December 2003
Victory For Common Sense
Tractor driving Taranaki-King Country MP Shane Ardern is relieved the disorderly conduct charge against him has finally
been withdrawn.
"It's great that common sense has finally prevailed," he says.
"The Judge was very clear in his statements on the 25th November that this case should never have come before the Courts
and that it was a waste of time and resource. However the Police Prosecutor on instructions from 'higher up' reluctantly
insisted that the case proceed.
"What this case has taught me is just how far this Government is prepared to go to persecute those who dare to challenge
their political agenda.
"This vindictive attack has exposed the Labour Government's double standards to all New Zealanders," says Mr Ardern.
"It has cost me financially and caused a great deal of personal anguish.
"But today's decision has been a victory for Members of Parliament who are not afraid to stand up for what they believe
in and refuse to be intimidated when fighting for their constituents.
"I was standing up for the rural community and I'll continue standing up to the bullies on behalf of those that I work
for," Mr Ardern says.
Ends